The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1887-02-04
cIRCT.lNG CROW DANCE.

ClRCIING CROW DANCE.
Ihe Pa-ginu-hina-H wa-ci-pi, or the cir
ehng crow dance, is called by the Americans
straw or grass dance. Only members of the
order participate in this dance, and its coun.
ellis are secret. 1t IS controlled by three men
select d at the starting of tho lodge from
among the more influential members of the
tribe, who at death or upon resigning their
office select their own successors. The rcga-
a belonging Sc the three 81 &iFttse 81 ttiiief
Office Is peculiar, consisting of kind of tunc
falling from the waist down behind, attached
to broad band around the waist. and COM
posed entirely of feathers of the eagle and
crow, with beadwork, porcupine quilts and
jingling bells. Exactly in the center and
resting i'll the hollow of the back Fastened to
the bele projects slender piece of wood
about eight inches long wrapped with porcu
pine quills, to the end of which eagle and
crow feathers and small bells are attached
with long strings-every motion of the wearer
causing these sticks to vibrate and the bells
to Jingle. This is an emblem Of rank, and
when invested with it one usually gives away
horse. There are four drummers. Each
one is provided with stick about three feet
long, one end notched and wrapped around
with quills and beads, the other end sharp-
ened. These are stuck III the ground, and
drums with corresponding loops are hung on
TO them. The dancers seat themselves in a
ring on the ground, wrapped in their blan-
kets, the dfummers on one side chanting and
beating their drums At a signal all Jump
up and, throwing their arms aloft, chant
with uncouth gestures and an occasional
wnoop; dance for a few moments, when all
but one seat themselves. This one, standing in
the ring keeps ON with gestures, wildly wav-
ing his tomahawk. OF sudden he will seat
himself, and in low, monotonous chant re.
cite his exploits of war and chase. after
which all will jump up, dance and yell, and
the same performances are again gone
through with. This is kept up for several
days at time, or until all the provisions
have been exhausted. During this dance, if
any member wishes divorce from his wife
he gets up and proclains that she is no longer
his wife, Or that he has been deputized bv
some one not a member manning him) to say
that he has thrown away" his wife An
outsider by payment can deputize member
to do this. In their own eyes this makes him
q brave man and big chief
The dance is arranged for in this way: A
steward is appointed to collect provisions.
and no one dares refuse him. After collect.
ing sufficient to last several days he notifies
the leaders. Ihey call in the lodge and form
for the dance. and then the vii
lage crier goes around and proclaims that the
dance will take place about such time II anv
questions arc to be decided the head men dis
cuss it, after whichit is put to vote. One
deputized goes to each member present and
asks him fer his decision, the result showing
whether the question is carried or lost Then
the council is closed, outsiders are allowed to
enter and the dance begins. An old woman |
invited the leader of the straw dance to dance